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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Smoking will no longer be permitted in guest staterooms; Norwegian balconies still OK

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE UPDATES SMOKING POLICY FLEET-WIDE

MIAMI – August 09, 2011 - Norwegian Cruise Line today announced adjustments to its smoking policy for each of the line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships in response to changing guest preferences.

Effective January 2012, guests setting sail on a Norwegian cruise vacation are no longer permitted to smoke cigarettes in their staterooms. Guests who are in a balcony stateroom will be permitted to smoke on the outside balcony; however, cigar and pipe smoking in staterooms and on balconies is prohibited. Ashtrays will be available for use upon request through housekeeping staff.

(Editor's note: Carnival, Princess and Holland America earlier announced smoking restrictions. Carnival will prohibit smoking in staterooms, effective Dec. 1, but allow it on balconies as will Holland America on Jan. 15, 2012. Princess is banning smoking in staterooms and on balconies from Jan. 15 next year.)

In an effort to diminish the presence of smoke indoors, cigarette smoking is only permitted in the casino, where ashtrays and appropriate signage will be displayed. Smoking is prohibited in all other public interior venues including all bars, restaurants, conference rooms, corridors, restrooms, staircases and landings. Guests may utilize the enclosed cigar bars on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Spirit for cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking.

In addition, the policy allows guests to smoke cigarettes, cigars and pipes in outdoor public guest spaces and open decks, where designated by the appropriate signage. Smoking is not permitted near outdoor venues which serve food, in open spaces such as the jogging track, sport complex, children’s pool and in The Haven outdoor areas.

For more information on Norwegian’s updated smoking policy guests may consult their Freestyle Daily once on board the ship, or view the policy on the website at www.ncl.com.

To book a cruise vacation with Norwegian contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.